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Great Gatsby


            Color plays a prominent role in the Great Gatsby. Nick recalls Gatsby gazing intently at the flickering green glow in the distance. It is obvious to the reader that Gatsby sees more than just the light. His intense look of concentration and his trembling reveals a strong desire to reach something that seems unreachable. Being able to attract and love Daisy is a mere dream for Gatsby. Therefore, the color green represents the impossibility of his expectations for love.
             Gatsby works diligently to be accepted within higher society. Yellow images are seen in many of Gatsby's possessions. His vehicle, "scampering like a brisk yellow bug to meet all trains" (pg. 43), is a physical portrayal of corruption and superficiality of material goods. Not only does Gatsby's longing for money consume him, but also the same general greed lures many other of the guests that are present at his parties. The vivid, carefree brightness of the color yellow naturally attracts the attention of many. Objects associated with Gatsby's parties are for this reason illustrated in yellow. The rich, flaky women at Gatsby's party swing their yellow gowns wildly as the drink and flirt and cause ruckus. Additionally, Dr. T. J. Eckleburg wears yellow spectacles to block America from seeing what the nation has actually become- a corrupt and careless society. His spectacles represent God staring down upon and judging American society as a moral wasteland.
             As seen in the attire of both Daisy and Jordan, white is used to improve their pure appearances. When Nick first sees Daisy and Jordan, they are both dressed in white, trying to appear pure. As Nick Learns more about Daisy and Jordan, their dresses turn yellow and gold, symbolizing their impurity and tasteless character. .
             Another important aspect of the novel is the portrayal of women. Women in the 1920's looked to change their status in society. They wished to work, vote, run for office, and most importantly, be treated fairly.


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